Husqvarna Motorcycles
A Swedish-origin motorcycle brand now based in Austria and known for competition-focused off-road motorcycles and distinctive street models.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
Husqvarna Motorcycles is an Austrian motorcycle brand with Swedish origins and one of the longest histories in European motorcycle manufacturing. Its motorcycle production began in 1903 at Huskvarna, Sweden, within the wider Husqvarna armaments business. The brand first used imported engines, but developed complete in-house motorcycles by 1916. Its early identity was shaped by practical transport, military supply, and competition, particularly cross-country and long-distance events. During the 1930s, Husqvarna competed in Grand Prix road racing with 350 cc and 500 cc machines. The company achieved notable results at the Swedish Grand Prix, including a works-team victory over Norton in 1932. In the postwar period, the brand increasingly concentrated on lightweight motorcycles and off-road competition. The Silverpilen, or “Silver Arrow,” became an influential lightweight model, combining a low mass with advanced suspension features. Husqvarna’s two-stroke motocross and enduro motorcycles later helped establish the company as a major international competition marque. The brand accumulated championships across motocross, enduro, supermoto, and Baja competition during the 1950s through the 1970s. In 1983, it introduced a lightweight 500 cc four-stroke competition motorcycle that influenced the development of modern four-stroke off-road machines. A management and engineering group that did not move with the motorcycle business after a later ownership change established Husaberg, a marque eventually acquired by KTM. Husqvarna’s ownership changed several times. Electrolux acquired the wider Husqvarna business in 1978, and the motorcycle division was sold to Italy’s Cagiva in 1987. The motorcycle operation subsequently became associated with MV Agusta and production moved to Varese, Italy. BMW Motorrad acquired Husqvarna Motorcycles in 2007, intending to operate it as a distinct brand. BMW sold the motorcycle business to Pierer Industrie in 2013. The business was then transferred to KTM AG, became part of the KTM Group, and returned production to Mattighofen, Austria. Husaberg was reunited with Husqvarna during this restructuring, ending the separate Husaberg brand. Under KTM ownership, Husqvarna expanded beyond its established off-road base. It introduced the modern Vitpilen and Svartpilen street-bike concepts at EICMA in 2014, followed by production models and the larger 701 Vitpilen. The company also introduced transfer-port injection on selected two-stroke enduro motorcycles in 2017, addressing emissions and fuel-management requirements while retaining two-stroke performance characteristics. Husqvarna’s present portfolio spans motocross, enduro, cross-country, supermoto, naked street motorcycles, travel-oriented models, and related riding equipment. Model names commonly use letters and numbers to indicate engine cycle, intended use, and approximate displacement. The brand continues to emphasize Swedish design references, lightweight engineering, racing heritage, and premium positioning within the KTM-related motorcycle portfolio. The motorcycle business is not itself separately listed; it operates within the KTM/Bajaj corporate structure.
History
The wider Husqvarna enterprise originated in Sweden as an armaments manufacturer established near Huskvarna in 1689. Its logo retains a visual reference to a gun sight. Before motorcycle production, the company made bicycles, including military bicycles. In 1903, it began producing motorcycles, initially relying on imported engines. By 1916, Husqvarna had established an engine factory and was producing complete motorcycles, including a 550 cc side-valve V-twin. The company also obtained military business and entered cross-country and long-distance racing. Husqvarna became active in Grand Prix road racing during the 1930s. Its works motorcycles competed in the 350 cc and 500 cc classes, and the team secured a one-two finish at the Swedish Grand Prix in 1932. The company later reduced its official racing commitment and concentrated on practical two-stroke motorcycles and lightweight designs. The Silverpilen lightweight motorcycle became an important model, using features such as telescopic forks and hydraulically damped suspension. From the late 1950s through the 1970s, Husqvarna became particularly prominent in motocross and enduro. Rolf Tibblin won the 250 cc motocross world championship for Husqvarna in 1959, while Bill Nilsson won the 500 cc title in 1960. Husqvarna’s light two-stroke machines challenged the dominance of heavier British four-stroke motorcycles. The brand subsequently collected numerous world championships and off-road race victories, including repeated success in motocross, enduro, supermoto, and the Baja 1000. A significant technical milestone came in 1983 with a lightweight 500 cc four-stroke competition motorcycle. Its relatively low weight, air cooling, and manageable handling influenced later competition-bike development. In 1987, the motorcycle division was sold to Cagiva, while other Husqvarna businesses remained separate. The motorcycle operation was produced in Italy and later became connected with MV Agusta. Engineers and managers who did not relocate created Husaberg, which KTM acquired in 1995. BMW Motorrad purchased Husqvarna Motorcycles in 2007 for an undisclosed strategic amount reported in contemporary coverage. BMW retained the brand as a separate motorcycle operation and kept development, sales, production, and personnel in Varese. In 2013, BMW sold the business to Pierer Industrie. The motorcycle company was subsequently transferred into KTM’s structure, and production moved to Mattighofen. Husaberg was reunited with Husqvarna in the same period. The KTM-era brand expanded into street motorcycles with the Vitpilen and Svartpilen families, while preserving its established motocross and enduro ranges. The 401 models used KTM-related platforms, and the larger 701 line broadened the road range. In 2017, Husqvarna introduced transfer-port injection on selected two-stroke enduro motorcycles, a technology designed to improve emissions performance and fuel control. The brand also returned to Moto3 and entered a naming and sponsorship relationship with factory racing programs in off-road and grand-prix competition. Husqvarna Motorcycles now operates as an Austrian-based brand within the KTM-related corporate group. Bajaj Auto became the controlling owner of the broader KTM structure, and the motorcycle brand remains marketed internationally. Its identity combines Swedish heritage, minimalist styling, competition-derived engineering, and a premium position across off-road and street segments.
- 2025
Bajaj ownership reported
[1]Reference material identifies the brand as wholly owned within the Bajaj group structure.
- 2017
Two-stroke transfer-port injection range
[1]The company introduces transfer-port injection technology on selected enduro models.
- 2014
Vitpilen and Svartpilen street concepts shown
[1]Husqvarna previews its modern street-bike expansion at EICMA.
- 2013
KTM-group restructuring
[1]Pierer Industrie acquires the business, which is subsequently transferred to KTM and reorganized as Husqvarna Motorcycle GmbH.
- 2007
BMW Motorrad acquisition
[1]BMW Motorrad acquires Husqvarna Motorcycles and operates it as a distinct brand.
- 1987
Motorcycle division sold to Cagiva
[1]The motorcycle operation leaves the Swedish Husqvarna group and becomes part of the Cagiva-led Italian motorcycle business.
- 1983
Lightweight 500 cc four-stroke introduced
[1]Husqvarna introduces a competition-oriented 500 cc four-stroke noted for its low weight and handling.
- 1959
First cited postwar motocross world title
[1]Rolf Tibblin wins the 250 cc motocross world championship on a Husqvarna.
- 1932
Swedish Grand Prix works-team success
[1]Husqvarna riders achieve a one-two finish at the Swedish Grand Prix.
- 1916
In-house engine production established
[1]The company establishes engine manufacturing and begins producing complete motorcycles with internally developed power units.
Products and positioning
A premium, performance-led motorcycle brand combining Swedish design cues with KTM-group engineering and a strong off-road racing heritage.
Motocross motorcycles
FC
The FC family comprises four-stroke motocross motorcycles developed for closed-course competition. The range represents Husqvarna’s modern interpretation of lightweight racing motorcycles, with model numbers generally corresponding to engine classes rather than a consumer touring role.
Motocross motorcycles
TC
The TC family consists of two-stroke motocross motorcycles. These models continue Husqvarna’s long association with lightweight two-stroke competition machines and are intended primarily for motocross racing and training.
Enduro motorcycles
TE and FE
TE two-stroke and FE four-stroke motorcycles form the core enduro range. They are designed for technical off-road terrain, organized enduro competition, and demanding trail use. Several two-stroke models have used transfer-port injection to improve fuel delivery and emissions performance.
Dual-sport and supermoto motorcycles
701 Enduro and 701 Supermoto
The 701 family extends Husqvarna’s single-cylinder performance identity into larger-displacement road-legal motorcycles. The Enduro version targets mixed-surface riding, while the Supermoto version emphasizes paved-road handling and braking.
Naked street motorcycles · 2018
Vitpilen
Vitpilen, Swedish for “white arrow,” is Husqvarna’s minimalist street-bike family. The line uses a distinctive compact design language and KTM-related mechanical platforms, linking modern urban riding with the brand’s Scandinavian visual heritage.
Naked street motorcycles · 2018
Svartpilen
Svartpilen, Swedish for “black arrow,” is the more ruggedly styled counterpart to Vitpilen. It is positioned for urban riding and light adventure-oriented use, with upright ergonomics and a scrambler-influenced appearance.
Marketing campaigns
- 2015Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
United States · Global off-road racing markets
Rockstar became title sponsor of Husqvarna’s factory off-road racing operation. The program competed in motocross, supercross, enduro, rally, and related disciplines, providing a prominent international platform for the brand’s competition positioning.
Outcome. The team recorded championships in cross-country rallies, SuperEnduro, EnduroCross, and rally-raid competition.
Brand decisions
2017
Adopt transfer-port injection on two-stroke enduro motorcyclesProduct launchBackground
Two-stroke motorcycles faced increasing emissions and fuel-management requirements, including the Euro 4 regulatory environment.
Action taken
Husqvarna introduced sensor-controlled transfer-port injection on a new enduro range.
Aftermath
The technology allowed the brand to continue offering modern two-stroke enduro motorcycles with improved fuel control.
2014
Re-enter the street motorcycle marketProduct launchBackground
After returning to the KTM structure, Husqvarna sought to broaden its identity beyond specialist off-road motorcycles.
Action taken
The company presented the 401 Vitpilen and 401 Svartpilen concepts, followed by production versions and the larger 701 Vitpilen.
Aftermath
The Vitpilen and Svartpilen families became the central expressions of Husqvarna’s modern road-bike design strategy.
2013
Transfer Husqvarna into the KTM groupM&ABackground
Following the sale from BMW, Pierer Industrie reorganized the motorcycle business within the KTM-related corporate structure.
Action taken
The company and license rights were transferred to KTM, production was moved to Austria, and Husaberg was reunited with Husqvarna.
Aftermath
Husqvarna became a sister brand to KTM and expanded its street and off-road product strategy.
2007
BMW acquires Husqvarna MotorcyclesM&ABackground
BMW Motorrad sought to operate Husqvarna as a distinct performance-oriented motorcycle brand.
Action taken
BMW acquired the motorcycle business and retained its Varese-based development, production, sales, and workforce operations.
Aftermath
BMW ownership lasted until the 2013 sale to Pierer Industrie.
1987
Sell the motorcycle division to CagivaM&ABackground
The motorcycle business was separated from the wider Husqvarna operations and transferred to an Italian motorcycle manufacturer.
Action taken
Cagiva acquired the motorcycle division, while non-motorcycle Husqvarna activities remained outside the transaction.
Aftermath
Production moved to Italy and the motorcycle business later became associated with MV Agusta.
Recent events
Husqvarna motorcycles enter the Indian market[3]
Reported:
Bajaj Auto announced prices in India for Husqvarna's Svartpilen 250 and Vitpilen 250 motorcycles, bringing the Husqvarna brand to the Indian market. Sales were planned through KTM showrooms.
Sources3 sources
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